documenting the progress of the work at hillington square

Monthly Archives: August 2015

Freebridge Community Housing are welcoming dogs and their owners to join their first Community Dog Show, at Hillington Square!

The Dog Show, taking place this Friday 28 August between 12-3pm, is free to enter and supported by Mill House Vets. The event is open to everyone and dogs do not need to be registered beforehand to take part. There are eight categories and first, second and third place in each class will receive a prize:

Cutest Puppy

Best Crossbreed

Waggiest Tail

Best Six Legs (Dog and handler together)

Most Appealing Eyes

Best Child Handler

Best Older Dog (Over seven years)

Best In Show

Alongside the show itself, there will be agility displays, dog training advice and pet products available to buy. The event has been organised to encourage continued responsible pet ownership while understanding how best to enjoy time with your dog. A range of pet services, many of which are free, are on offer in the local area and this is the perfect opportunity to find out more.

Robert Clarke, Director of Housing at Freebridge said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming people and their dogs to Hillington Square to join in with the show. The afternoon promises to be great fun, and by having organisations involved like Mill House Vets, there will be really helpful information and guidance available to all. We have made sure that there are categories to suit every type of dog, so come along to the heart of the community and enjoy the afternoon!”

Sam Richardson, Senior Nurse at Mill House Vets went on to say: “I am looking forward to meeting everyone on the day – as well as having fun, I will be bringing lots of useful information with me about the amazing charity PDSA and the help we can offer together to families on limited incomes. I also run puppy training classes at Mill House so will be happy to chat all things puppy!”

Exciting news has been announced for Hillington Square as the next block name has been revealed… It will be called Valentine Place!

To choose the new names, Freebridge received information from nearly 300 people living or working in the area at a series of consultations in 2013. Interviewees gave their views about Hillington Square and what it means to them. The research showed that the community did not want to see a new name for the estate, but there was strong support for a more individual approach for homes by promoting the identities of the blocks.

Colin Davison, Director of Property at Freebridge said: “When we told the community that the name Millfleet Court had been chosen for Phase One at Hillington Square, we were delighted with the way it was welcomed by everyone, including the residents moving into the refurbished homes.

“By listening and responding to what local people told us, we are confident that the new name for Phase Two, Valentine Place will be equally well received into the heart of the community.”

Other names that will be used as part of the £30-million regeneration in Hillington Square are Coronation Walk, Eldridge Way and Gurney Road. Details of their use will be shared further into the regeneration project.

Freebridge Community Housing are proud to announce that the marketing campaign for Millfleet Court and Hillington Square have been shortlisted in the National Housing Federation Awards. To qualify for the award, Freebridge was to clearly show that they had engaged directly with residents living in the area, along with the wider community.

The in-house communications team at the community housing association designed and implemented the campaign to promote the new homes at Millfleet Court, Hillington Square.

Tony Hall, Chief Executive at Freebridge said: “The regeneration of Hillington Square is by far and away the largest single project we’ve undertaken as an organisation, and potentially one of the biggest that the local community in King’s Lynn will see in the centre of town. It was really important to us that we engaged with everyone, and the campaign met the needs of our tenants, residents and the wider community.

“We always have and continue to be committed to creating A Better West Norfolk, and by Millfleet Court being recognised on a national stage we know that our vision will be supported for many years to come. It’s a fantastic achievement for everyone involved in all aspects of the regeneration, and we are looking forward to find out where we come in September.”

The £30-million regeneration of Hillington Square is being carried out by Lovell Construction. Phase One, Millfleet Court was launched in November 2014, and Phase Two is due for completion later this year.

The results for the national award will be announced in London on 10 September. Wish us luck!

It’s the start of the summer holidays and The Community Cafe in Hillington Square are holding some fun, creative activities for kids to enjoy. These sessions will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 12am. The sessions cost 50p per child and you can treat yourself to a cup of tea whilst at the cafe! The list of activites can be found below as a guide (please check with Ruth Taylor 07872 109732).

Volunteers are also needed to come and help with some of the sessions. If you are interested please contact ruth.taylor@freebridge.org.uk or call 07872 109732.

On Saturday 25 July we were pleased to host the second Hillington Square Community, and even more pleased that the sun shone throughout!

Officially opening the fete was Mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Councillor Colin Manning and local DJ Simon Rowe from KL.FM who led the entertainment for the afternoon. A range of charities and local organisations took part including the Engage Theatre Company, Flukes Ukulele Group and Norfolk Constabulary.

Children of all ages enjoyed the games, workshops and other fun activities on offer, including a bouncy castle. There was also a delicious BBQ, with food kindly donated by Booker Wholesale, King’s Lynn.

We also had Hannah over from Norwich doing creative face painting!

These boys were keen to show off their t-shirts they designed in a workshop based in the café.

The bouncy castle also proved to be a crowd pleaser!

Robert Clarke, Director of Housing at Freebridge said: “It was fantastic to see so many people who live on Hillington Square, and the wider community, come along to the fete and enjoy the day. It was clear to see how much fun they were having and the atmosphere was great.

“We would like to thank everyone that got involved and helped on the day, ran stalls and workshops or gave donations. We are looking forward to next year already.”